Pagan Poetry

"Pagan Poetry" is a song recorded by Icelandic singer Björk for her fourth studio album Vespertine (2001).

The song's lyrics, written by Björk, describe the parallels of sexual pleasure and emotional fulfillment found in romantic relationships, both of which are important to her.

She recognizes the conflict between the two, wanting both a physically satisfying and faithful relationship while being wary as she is unsure if they can both be obtained.

Heather Phares of AllMusic said of "Pagan Poetry" that it "shares a spacious serenity with the album's quietest moments" and included this song as a track pick.

[3] Rolling Stone said, "In 'Pagan Poetry', she deploys the implied heaven of Zeena Parkins harp and a flotilla of music boxes with an Asian-teahouse touch.

"[8] The accompanying music video for "Pagan Poetry" was directed by Nick Knight, who had previously photographed the cover image for her third studio album Homogenic (1997).

The studio gave a "northlight" look and had a rawness to it that matched the subject matter, photography director Simon Chaudoir said.

Knight directed Chaudoir to shoot the piercings by and getting as physically near as he could while maintaining a close, macro focus on a wide-angle lens.

[16] It was sold as part of Kerry Taylor Auctions "Passion for Fashion" sale in London, in June 2016.

[17] In 2001, Björk performed "Pagan Poetry" on the Late Show with David Letterman with a Greenland women's choir, harpist, and electronica duo Matmos.

Björk wearing an in-body-pierced-wedding dress designed by English fashion designer Alexander McQueen in the music video.